Bitwise CTO Matt Hougan stated that Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) may be gearing up for major breakthroughs in 2026. He links this potential to the possible passage of the Clarity Act in the US, a law aimed at clearly defining cryptocurrency regulations. Hougan also reminds that Ethereum already demonstrated a strong recovery after its 2025 decline.
Matt Hougan's Forecasts for Ethereum and Solana
Hougan, serving as Bitwise's CTO, believes that under the right conditions, both assets could reach new all-time highs in 2026. He emphasizes that the key trigger will be legal clarity in the US, which he sees as a catalyst for market growth. For a comparison of analytical perspectives, see Ben Cowen's view and other experts.
The Impact of the Clarity Act
According to Hougan, if the long-discussed Clarity Act is passed, it will clearly define the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in the US. This clarity, he believes, will provide long-term stability and open access to significant market opportunities. Hougan also stated that the proposed law could unlock markets valued in the hundreds of trillions of dollars.
Ethereum's Recovery in 2025
Hougan notes that Ethereum already showed strong performance in 2025: its price initially fell to $1,500, followed by a sharp rebound. As a result, the price more than tripled, reaching a peak that helped restore investor confidence, especially among institutional players. Discussions of varying ETH forecasts can be found in the article on analytics contradictions.
Solana's Prospects and Regulation
Hougan describes Solana's story as more complex: the network continues to technologically evolve and strengthen its ecosystem, yet doubts remain about its ability to reach new all-time highs. He stresses that in the current environment, legal clarity could pave the way for SOL's growth. For general context on altcoin seasonality, see the Altseason 2026 overview.
The Clarity Act and Its Significance
In Hougan's description, the Clarity Act is a bill aimed at clearly defining cryptocurrency regulation in the US. He says that passing such a law will provide the market with legal clarity and could serve as a foundation for long-term stability. Hougan directly links this clarity to the potential for significant market expansion and increased institutional participation.
Why This Matters
For miners in Russia, this news is primarily an indicator of possible changes in demand for ETH and SOL: if US regulation indeed becomes clearer, it could affect institutional interest and, consequently, market conditions. The law's direct impact on local mining operations will be indirect and depend on market reactions rather than the law's text.
Additionally, Ethereum's 2025 recovery shows that even after major declines, assets can quickly return to growth, which is important for risk assessment and capital management. For owners of 1 to 1000 devices, this means: stay informed about regulatory news and avoid relying solely on short-term price fluctuations.
What to Do?
Practical steps miners in Russia can take right now are simple and don’t require adding new facts. First, monitor official announcements about US legislation and market reactions to assess trend changes. Second, maintain technical readiness of equipment: check efficiency, prepare for switching to other coins, and keep cash reserves to cover expenses during downturns.
- Regularly track news and statements about the Clarity Act and market responses.
- Diversify risks: have a plan for sudden price movements and the ability to switch mining operations.
- Keep equipment operational and energy-efficient.
FAQ
Who is Matt Hougan? Matt Hougan is Bitwise's CTO who provided insights on Ethereum and Solana’s prospects in 2026. His comments form the basis of this article.
What is the Clarity Act? The Clarity Act is described here as a bill intended to clearly define cryptocurrency regulation in the US; according to Hougan, its passage could bring greater market clarity. This is not an evaluation of specific measures but a description of the bill’s intended purpose.
Should I change my mining strategy based on these statements? Hougan does not directly call for strategy changes; miners should stay updated on news, maintain current equipment, and have contingency plans for sharp price fluctuations.